1. Profess and Defend Your Faith Lesson 1
Catechism
Profess and Defend Your Faith
Lesson 1

2. Psalm 111:5 To Isr’el he redemption sent; eternal is God’s covenant.
His holy name is all-surpassing.
The fear of God is wisdom’s source,
a light to all who walk its course.
His glorious praise is everlasting!

3. Why go to catechism? Your parents made a promise
Your parents want you to grow in faith.

4. What is faith? Faith has three sides to it:
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1
Faith has three sides to it:
- a rational side : knowledge, insight
- an emotional side : confidence, trust
- a practical side : behaviour

5. Faith in faith (believing)OR
Faith in God?

6. Faith has a focus 
The faith professed in the Willoughby Heights Canadian Reformed Church is
- Christian: focuses on Christ
- Protestant: draws on Scripture alone
- Reformed: proclaims God’s sovereignty and grace

7. Profession of Faith
Starting point: all communicant members catechized in Willoughby Heights will have had at least 6 years of catechism instruction
Those wishing to profess their faith may do so as early as in their sixth year of instruction
The profession of faith course is focused purely on profession of faith, not on instruction
As a rule, profession of faith takes place on a Sunday prior to a Sunday we celebrate the Lord’s Supper on.

8. Profession of Faith
The course generally exists of 6 one-hour classes, at a time and place that works for all taking & teaching the course
For example: if all taking the course attend CCHS, we could run the class from 3 to 4pm right after school
There’s a limit of 5 people per class
If only one person signs up for a class, you’ll need to bring a friend who is willing to take the course too.
Professing implies defending: apologetics…

9. Apologetics is the discipline of defending yourself and your convictions with words
Apolo-what?

10. Defending one’s faith
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
1 Peter 3:15
Apologetics is from a Greek word meaning “to defend with words”. Think of the English verb: to apologize In Christian circles, apologetics deals with the defense of the Christian faith against other religions (e.g. Islam) and systems of thought (e.g. evolutionism).

11. Original title page – Belgic Confession

12. Bible Study: Acts 17 & 1Cor 1&2

13. Bible Study: Acts 17 & 1Cor 1&2
1. The city was full of idols 2. He reasoned with Jews, devout people (Greeks who believe in Yahweh) and whoever happened to be in the marketplace. 3. Talking about and listening to the latest ideas (this was before the Internet…) 4. To present his teaching 5. He was prepared to do so. 6. He began with their situation, and tried to expand their horizon. He chose a non-confrontational approach to have them change their mind.

14. Bible Study: Acts 17 & 1Cor 1&2
7. When he mentioned the resurrection of the dead 8. Because Greeks believe that the body is a prison of the spirit, true life is spiritual. So a resurrection of the dead is ridiculous… 9. Because it doesn’t make human sense (victory through dying) and seems very weak (death). 10. Wisdom. Something that makes sense and is appealing. 11. In the Lord. 12. Lofty speech or superior wisdom 13. In weakness, in fear and much trembling.

15. Bible Study: Acts 17 & 1Cor 1&2
14. We are to be non-confrontational, stand our ground, go by God’s standards, and boast in God.

16. www.whcanrc.com Website
If you miss a class or lose your homework, you can find all the lesson materials on our church website.

17. Time permitting
Discussion on expectations with respect to Catechism classes this season